Gabriel nodded. Mrs. Jacobs looked pleased. That alone was unusual. Most people looked terrified when he nodded.
“Thank you, Mrs. Jacobs,” John said.
“Of course, Doctor Hunt.” The housekeeper cast another curious glance toward the bed before leaving.
The door closed. Silence returned. John slowly rose from his chair. Then he looked at Gabriel with entirely too much amusement.
Gabriel immediately disliked that expression. “What?”
John folded his arms. “Nothing.”
“John.”
The physician sighed dramatically. “I merely find this situation interesting.”
Gabriel narrowed his eyes. “In what way?”
John gestured toward the unconscious woman. “In the way that you’re housing a stranger.”
Gabriel shrugged. “What choice did I have in the matter. She is injured.”
“A home where almost nobody is permitted,” John observed.
Gabriel remained silent. John’s smile widened. “You ordered your servants to prepare the guest room.”
“Naturally,” Gabriel huffed and began pacing the room.
What does he want of me? I did what anyone would.
“And then you summoned me.” John moved from the bed and walked toward Gabriel, but Gabriel did not look him in the eyes.
“You are my physician,” Gabriel said.
“I am also your friend,” John replied.
“Unfortunately,” Gabriel groaned.
John laughed. The sound echoed through the room. “I believe,” John said, “that you are paying this lady an unusual amount of attention.”
Gabriel stared at him. Then he stared harder. John remained entirely unbothered. Finally, Gabriel snorted. “Do not be ridiculous.”
“I am rarely ridiculous.” John smiled again.
The man smiles far too often. Benedict had smiled constantly, too.
The unexpected thought struck Gabriel hard. His amusement vanished. The room suddenly felt quieter. He looked back toward the fire.
One year. It has been one year. One year since Benedict died. One year since I had buried the last member of my immediate family.
The grief never fully disappeared. It simply learned how to hide.
“I helped her because I did not want another dead body on my hands,” Gabriel said quietly.
John’s expression softened. Gabriel continued staring into the flames. “I have buried enough people.”
The words came out rougher than intended.
“My parents. My brother.” Silence followed.
